Access being examined

Council is coming under pressure to improve restroom availability at Zwick’s Park.
Coun. Mike Graham noted he received a petition with more than 1,500 names demanding improvements to the limited lavatory facilities at the frequently used city destination.
“It’s regards to the lack of washroom facilities at Zwick’s Park,” Graham said.
Graham said it’s being reviewed.
“It is in the discussion stage,” he said. “It has not been forgotten. It’s going to be discussed at strategic planning (this week).”
Coun. Egerton Boyce said council was unsuccessful in tapping federal funds to carry out upgrades at the park, including bathroom renovations.
“We came up with nothing, so I’m glad that we’re going to be discussing it,” he said. “It’s a worthy item and I certainly will be supporting it.”
Accessibility is front of mind, said Coun. Garnet Thompson.
“I’ve already had some discussions with this group about the washroom and accessibility,” he said. “We did bring it up with the accessibility committee.”
Parks staff have been instructed to investigate the matter and produce a report on how best to remedy the shortfall.
“We know it’s a concern and it will be addressed,” he said.
Belleville was shut out of its bid for $850,000 in Canada 150 funds and $1 million in Ontario Canada 150 funds to upgrade the heavily used park in time for nationwide celebrations.
The funds would have been dedicated to enhancing the water and sanitary sewer connection. Splash pads, paving the road and resurfacing the parking lot were also among the facelifts proposed.
Much of the infrastructure at West Zwick’s date back to 1967, said Larry Glover, city’s parks manager.
“We’re on septic and we find that if we get more than 100 people in the park we end up with toilets backing up,” he said. “We need a proper sewer connection and proper water service.”